Assembly system on a propeller shaft

ABSTRACT

A connecting assembly at a driveshaft between the driveshaft and a wheel hub, having end toothing of an outer joint part of a constant velocity joint of the driveshaft, which outer joint part is at the wheel hub end, and having end toothing of the wheel hub, wherein the end toothings are axially inserted into one another and circumferentially engage one another in a play-free way and wherein the teeth of the end toothings each comprise radially outwardly opening circumferential grooves which are delimited by two flanks and which, jointly, form a circumferentially extending annular groove in which, on the outside, there is arranged a securing ring; as well as a connecting assembly at a driveshaft between the driveshaft and a shaft flange, having end toothing of an outer joint part of a constant velocity joint of the driveshaft, which outer joint part is at the shaft flange end, and having end toothing of the shaft flange, wherein the end toothings are axially inserted into one another and circumferentially engage one another in a play-free way and wherein the teeth of the end toothings each comprise radially outwardly opening circumferential grooves which are delimited by two flanks and which, jointly, form a circumferentially extending annular groove in which, on the outside, there is arranged a securing ring.

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to connecting assemblies at a driveshaft, i.e.between an outer joint part of a constant velocity joint of thedriveshaft and a wheel hub, or between an outer joint part of a constantvelocity joint of the driveshaft and a shaft flange, e.g. of a shaftjournal of a differential drive, for the purpose of being used in thedriveline of a motor vehicle.

U.S. Pat. No. 967,395 proposes a claw coupling between two rotatinghollow shafts. The individual claws comprise internal grooves which, inthe engaged condition, form a circumferential continuous groove which,on the inside, is engaged by a retaining ring. This type of coupling isnot suitable for connecting annular parts with intermediate walls orinserts because it is necessary to provide access for fitting theretaining ring through the inside of the hollow shafts.

From DE 8136172 U1 there is known a coupling for rigidly connectingcoaxial components in the case of driveshafts. The parts to be connectedare each provided with end toothings which are inserted into oneanother. For axial securing purposes, the components to be connected areprovided, behind the end toothing, with a shaft step with spring-back.In the inserted condition of the end toothings, circumferentiallydistributed U-profile pieces in the form of circular segments areinserted into said shaft steps. To prevent the U-profile pieces frombecoming unfastened, they have to be joined to form a ring or they haveto be secured by a ring slid over same or they have to be tensionedrelative to one another by wedges. This leads to very complicatedassembly procedures.

DE 196 45 880 A1 describes a connecting assembly between an outer jointpart of a constant velocity joint and the shaft flange of a gearboxshaft wherein the two parts, for the purpose of transmitting torque,engage one another in a play-free way in the direction of rotation viainter-engaging claw toothings. At the outer joint part, the front endsof the claws form a composite planar end face which is supported on acomposite planar end face at the shaft flange between the base regionsof the claws. At each of the ends of the claws of the two parts, thereare provided outwardly pointing catches which, at each of the parts,form a composite annular collar with a backwardly pointing conicalinclined face. For axially tensioning in a play-free way the planar endfaces of the two parts, which planar end faces contact one another,there is inserted a securing ring between the annular collars composedof said catches, which securing ring is positioned on the conicalinclined faces. In addition to the inclined faces and the flank faces ofthe teeth of the claw toothings, the planar end faces have to bemachined very accurately in order to form a play-freetorque-transmitting connection.

It is the object of the invention to provide connecting assembliesbetween an outer joint part of a constant velocity joint of a driveshaftand a wheel hub, and between an outer joint part of a constant velocityjoint of a driveshaft and a shaft flange, e.g. of a shaft journal of adifferential drive, which connecting assemblies are lightweight andstrong, easy to produce and quick to mount.

The objective is achieved in that the end toothing of an outer jointpart of a constant velocity joint of the driveshaft, which outer jointpart is at the wheel hub end, and the end toothing of a wheel hub areaxially inserted into one another and circumferentially engage oneanother in a play-free way and that the teeth of the end toothings eachcomprise radially outwardly opening circumferential grooves which aredelimited by two flanks and which, jointly, form a circumferentiallyextending annular groove in which, on the outside, there is arranged asecuring ring; and in that the end toothing of an outer joint part of aconstant velocity joint of the driveshaft, which outer joint part is atthe shaft flange end, and the end toothing of a shaft flange are axiallyinserted into one another and circumferentially engage one another in aplay-free way and that the teeth of the end toothings each compriseradially outwardly opening circumferential grooves which are delimitedby two flanks and which, jointly, form a circumferentially extendingannular groove in which, on the outside, there is arranged a securingring.

The inventive connecting assemblies are advantageous in that they can bequickly and easily mounted. Because of the very short displacementdistances when inserting the end toothings into one another, driveshaftscan very easily be mounted between, and removed from between, the wheelhub and the shaft flange of a differential drive, especially in respectof the complete vehicle with a finish-assembled and finish-mounted wheelsuspension system. This is advantageous for both the initial assemblyand also for subsequent repair work. The connecting assembly is alsocharacterised in that it requires only a small number of parts andfeatures a low weight. The end toothings can be produced largely by anon-chip producing forming operation, with only the circumferentialgrooves having to be recessed into the teeth by a chip-formingoperation, either on each part on its own or, in the case ofinter-engaging end toothings, on both parts simultaneously.

Any torque which has to be transmitted by the driveshaft is accommodatedby the inter-engaging end toothings of the connecting assembly. Anyrotating bending moments at the connecting assembly which are generatedby the constant velocity joint rotating in an articulated conditionprimarily act on the securing ring arranged in the annular groove, withone flank in each circumferential groove being loaded by the securingring and with the other flank being unloaded; in the case ofcircumferential grooves which directly circumferentially adjoin oneanother and which are each associated with another tooth and thus withanother one of the two sets of end toothing, the securing ring loads therespective flanks pointing in opposite directions.

According to a first advantageous embodiment it is proposed that, whenviewed in cylindrical sections, the teeth of the two end toothingscomprise flanks which extend parallel relative to the longitudinal axisof the parts, i.e. feature a simple geometry and, in consequence, areeasy to produce.

Because of the axial displaceability of such end toothings, the securingring and the circumferential grooves have to be designed in such a waythat the former is supported by both flanks on the latter in a play-freeway to be able to accommodate axial forces in both directions withoutthere occurring any axial offset when the direction of load applicationchanges.

According to a further advantageous embodiment it is proposed that, whenviewed in cylindrical sections, the teeth of the two sets of endtoothing comprise flanks which enclose an angle with the longitudinalaxis of the parts, with the angles between the flanks of the teeth ofthe two sets of end toothing opening in opposite directions and being ofidentical size. The teeth of the two sets of end toothing are thuswedge-shaped and can be inserted into one another in a play-free way.The wide tooth bases ensure an increase in strength and uniform loads inthe teeth.

With such end toothings with teeth which enclose an angle, axial supportof the parts in one direction (pressure) is ensured so that the securingring and the circumferential grooves can be designed in such a way thatplay-free contact between the securing ring and the flanks of the grooveoccurs in the opposite direction (tension) only. The circumferentialgrooves of the one set of end toothing can be displaced relative to thecircumferential grooves of the other set of end toothing in such a waythat there is formed a to-and fro-jumping annular groove. Inconsequence, the flanks of the securing ring contact only those flanksof the circumferential grooves which face the respective other set ofend toothing.

A further advantageous embodiment comprises circumferential grooves ofthe two sets of end toothing which are provided with flanks extendingparallel relative to one another, with the securing ring comprisingcorresponding flanks extending parallel relative to one another. Suchcircumferential grooves are easy to produce, and it is possible to usestandard securing rings.

According to a further embodiment it is proposed that the flanks of thecircumferential grooves of the two sets of end toothing enclose an anglerelative to an imaginary axis-normal radial plane, which angle opensradially out-wardly, and that the securing ring is provided withcorresponding flanks which enclose an identical angle relative to animaginary axis-normal radial plane. In the inserted condition of the endtoothings, the circumferential grooves thus form an annular groove whichreceives a securing ring with a wedge-shaped profile. Because thesecuring ring comprises a radial tensioning force, it is pressed intothe annular groove, with axial force components occurring due to thewedge-shape of the securing ring.

In cooperation with wedge-shaped end toothings, the wedge-shape of thesecuring ring and of the circumferential grooves, which form ato-and-fro-jumping annular groove, can generate axial force componentswhich, in the final analysis, press the two sets of end toothing furtherinto one another. In this way, it is possible to avoid an axial play anda circumferential play in the connecting assembly.

Preferred embodiments will be described below with reference to thedrawings wherein

FIG. 1 shows a driveshaft between the differential drive flange and thewheel hub with two inventive connecting assemblies in a longitudinalsection.

FIG. 2 shows the inventive connecting assembly between an outer jointpart of a constant velocity joint of a driveshaft, which outer jointpart is at the wheel hub end, and a wheel hub according to FIG. 1 in alongitudinal section.

FIG. 3 illustrates a detail X of FIG. 2 in an enlarged scale.

FIG. 4 shows the inventive connecting assembly between an outer jointpart of a constant velocity joint of a driveshaft, which outer jointpart is at the differential drive end, and a shaft journal of adifferential drive according to FIG. 1 in a longitudinal section.

FIG. 5 shows the detail Y of the connecting assembly according to FIG. 4in a modified embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detail of the connecting assembly according to FIG.4 in a modified embodiment compared to FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows an inventive connecting assembly between an outer jointpart of a constant velocity joint of a driveshaft, which outer jointpart is at the wheel hub end, and a wheel hub in a longitudinal sectionin a modified embodiment compared to FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 shows the detail X according to FIG. 7 in an enlarged scale.

FIG. 9 shows an inventive connecting assembly between an outer jointpart of a constant velocity joint of a driveshaft, which outer jointpart is at the wheel hub end, and a wheel hub in a longitudinal sectionin a modified embodiment compared to FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 shows the detail X according to FIG. 9 in an enlarged scale.

FIG. 11 is a radial view of an inventive connecting assembly with toothflanks extending parallel relative to one another in the axialdirection.

FIG. 12 is an end view of the toothing according to FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a radial view of an inventive connecting assembly with toothflanks which enclose an angle relative to the axial direction.

FIG. 14 is an end view of the toothing according to FIG. 13.

FIG. 1 shows a driveshaft 10 mounted in a vehicle as a side shaft at asteered wheel between a shaft flange 20 of a differential drive and awheel hub 30. The driveshaft 10 comprises a tripode joint 12 at thedifferential drive end and a constant velocity fixed ball joint 13,which joints are connected to one another via the shaft 11. A convolutedboot 14 seals the tripode joint 12 relative to the shaft 11 and aconvoluted boot 15 seals the constant velocity fixed ball joint relativeto the shaft 11. The tripode joint 12 substantially comprises an innerjoint part 17, roller elements 18 and an outer joint part 19, with onlythe outer joint part 19 being of further significance in connection withan inventive connecting assembly which has been given the referencenumber Y. The connecting assembly provides the connection between theouter joint part 19 and the shaft journal 20 of the differential drive,which shaft journal 20 is supported in a roller bearing 21 in thedifferential drive of which only the contour is shown in dashed lines.The constant velocity fixed joint 13 substantially consists of an innerjoint part 22, torque transmitting balls 23, a ball cage 24 and an outerjoint part 25, with only the latter being of significance in connectionwith the inventive connecting assembly which has been given thereference number X. The outer joint part 25 is connected via theconnecting assembly directly to an annular member 26 which is positivelyand form-fittingly secured to the wheel hub 30 and can be regarded aspart thereof. A brake disc 27 is bolted to the wheel hub 30 which, bymeans of a double-row ball bearing 28, is supported in a wheel carrier29.

FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described jointly below.

FIG. 2 shows the constant velocity fixed joint 13 and the wheel hub 30of FIG. 1 in an enlarged scale. FIG. 3 is an enlarged illustration ofthe detail given the reference number X in FIGS. 1 and 2. As indicatedespecially in FIG. 3 by dashed lines, the wheel hub 30, prior to themounting of the bearing, is provided with a sleeve-shaped projection 31on to which there is formed a set of outer toothing 32 behind whichthere is provided a cylindrical centring face 33 which is delimited by aradial stop face 34. On its inner face, the annular member 26 forming abearing groove 35 is provided with a supporting face 36, inner toothing37 engaging the outer toothing 32, a seat face 38 positioned on thecentring face 33, as well as an end face 39 which rests against the stopface 34. After the annular member 26 has been slid on to the hub 30, theprojection 31 is widened so that it rests in the form of a collar 40against the supporting face 36.

In this way, the ball bearing 28 is simultaneously completed and set,with an outer bearing groove 41 and a bearing ball 42 as well as abearing cage 43 being visible. It can also be seen that the outer jointpart 25 and the annular member 26 are provided with interengaging endtoothings 45, 46 whose toothed regions open out-wardly with reference toa radial plane positioned normally on the longitudinal axis. Thetoothings 45, 46 axially follow the annularly ending outer joint part 25and the annular member 26.

On the outer circumference of the end toothings 45, 46 there areprovided circumferential grooves 47, 48 which, as will be describedlater, complement one another to form a substantially closed annulargroove which is engaged by a securing ring 50. The side flanks 51, 52 ofthe securing ring 50 extend parallel relative to one another and arepositioned in normal planes with reference to the longitudinal axis ofthe parts to be connected. The flanks of the circumferential grooves 47,48, which flanks are not described in greater detail, are alignedaccordingly; they thus form rectangular grooves. To the extent that thetoothings 45, 46 are designed in such a way that they are axiallydisplaceable relative to one another when the tooth flanks contact oneanother in a play-free way in the circumferential direction, thesecuring ring 50 has to engage the two circumferential grooves 47, 48 ina substantially play-free way, i.e. only an assembly play of approx.{fraction (1/10)} mm is permissible. As regards such a tooth shape,reference is made to FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIGS. 4 to 6 will be described jointly below.

FIG. 4 shows the tripode joint 12 and the shaft flange 20 of FIG. 1 inan enlarged scale. FIG. 5 shows the detail designated as Y in FIGS. 1and 4 in an enlarged scale, with FIG. 6 showing a modification of saiddetail.

The outer joint part 19 is provided with end toothing 59 and the shaftjournal 20 with end toothing 60. On the outside of the end toothings,there are provided the circumferential grooves 61, 62 (FIG. 5) whichhave the same width, but are axially offset relative to one another. Thecircumferential grooves are engaged by a securing ring 66 (FIG. 5), 68(FIG. 6). The securing ring 66 comprises flanks 69,70 which extendparallel relative to one another. In the region where it engages thecircumferential grooves 63, 64, the securing ring 68 comprises outwardlyopening flanks 71, 72 which form an angle with one another. In respectof their alignment, the flanks of the circumferential grooves 61, 62,63, 64 correspond to the flanks of the securing ring 66, 68. Thecircumferential grooves 61, 62, 63, 64 are axially offset relative toone another by a small amount and thus form a to-and-for-jumping annulargroove. In the case of connecting assemblies of the type shown here withaxially offset circumferential grooves, it has to be assumed that thetoothings 59, 60, while contacting one another in a play-free way in thecircumferential direction, at the same time support one another axiallyunder pressure. A securing ring 66, 68 inserted in this position of thetoothings, then rests under compressing pretension in a clearance-freeway by means of its flank 70, 72 against the righthand flank of thecircumferential groove 61, 63 of the end toothing 59 and, by means ofits flank 69, 71, only against the lefthand flank of the circumferentialgroove 62, 64 of the end toothing 60. Relative to the respective otherflank of the circumferential groove, it is permitted to provide anamount of play which is greater than the assembly play. Especially therectangular ring according to FIG. 5 should be fitted while the endtoothings are held under compressing pretension. On the other hand, thewedge-ring according to FIG. 6 can be inserted without such compressingpretension between the end toothings, but with the securing ring 68itself being under a radial pretension. A radial contracting of the ringinto the circumferential groove then generates the respectivecompressing pretension in the axial direction between the end toothings.

FIGS. 7 and 8 will be described jointly below.

They show an assembly with a constant velocity fixed joint 13′ and awheel hub 30′ which substantially corresponds to the embodimentaccording to FIGS. 1 to 3. However, an annular member 26′ is separatefrom a bearing race 44′. The wheel hub 30′ is provided with outertoothing 32 which cooperates with inner toothing 37 of the annularmember 26′. The annular member 26′ is held by a collar 40 of the wheelhub. The end toothing 46′ of the annular member 26′ is not designed asan axial extension of a solid annular part, but it is substantiallyformed on to the outer circumference of the solid annular part, whilebeing radially fully supported thereby without axially projectingtherefrom. The end toothing 45′ of the modified outer joint part 25′thus extends over the region of the solid annular part of the annularmember 26′. The respective front end faces of the toothings 45′, 46′ arepositioned in planes which extend parallel relative to one another andwhich are axis-normal relative to the longitudinal axis of theconnecting assembly. In circumferential grooves 47′, 48′ provided on theoutside of the end toothings 45′, 46′, there is arranged a securing ring50′. The design of the circumferential grooves 47′, 48′ and of thesecuring ring 50′ with end faces 51′ 52′, which extend parallel relativeto one another, substantially corresponds to the illustration of FIG. 3,i.e. the rectangular ring engages the circumferential grooves in asubstantially play-free way and, depending on the load applied, issupported on one of the two flanks of the circumferential grooves.

FIGS. 9 and 10 will be described jointly below.

They show an assembly consisting of a constant velocity fixed joint 13″and a wheel hub 30″, which assembly substantially corresponds to thatshown in FIGS. 1 to 3. As in FIGS. 7 and 8, the end toothing 46″, inthis case, too, is provided at the outer circumference of the annularmember 26″ which is axially supported on, and rests against, a separatebearing race 44″. The end toothing 46″ is thus radially supported by thesolid annular part of the annular member 26″ and does not axiallyproject therefrom. The outer joint part 25″ is provided with endtoothing 45″ which extends over the solid annular part of the annularmember 26″. In the circumferential grooves 53″, 54″ which are providedin the outside of the end toothings 45″, 46″, there is arranged asecuring ring 56″. The design of the circumferential grooves 53″, 54″and of the securing ring 56″ with conical end faces 57″, 58″substantially corresponds to the illustration in FIG. 6. With theassembly shown here, it has to be assumed that the toothings are axiallysupported relative to one another under pressure; they are held togetherin a play-free way in the axial direction and in the circumferentialdirection by the securing ring 56″ which, in view of the presence ofradial pretension in the securing ring 56″, rests in a play-free wayonly against one flank of the circumferential grooves 53″, 54″ eachwhich are axially offset relative to one another.

FIGS. 11 and 12 will be described jointly below.

They show an outer joint part 25 ₁ and a wheel hub 30 ₁ as well as abearing 28 ₁ in which the wheel hub 30 ₁ is supported. In a radial viewand in cylindrical sections, the end toothings 45 ₁, 46 ₁ are providedwith parallel flanks, with the flanks, as indicated in FIG. 12, beingprovided in radial planes extending through the longitudinal axis of theconnecting parts. The end faces of the end toothings 45 ₁, 46 ₁ arearranged at an axial distance from the other part of the connection.With the toothings circumferentially engaging one another in a play-freeway, the parts to be connected, in principle, are still axiallydisplaceable relative to one another.

In circumferential grooves 47 ₁, 48 ₁ which are provided on the outsideof the end toothings, there is arranged a securing ring 50 ₁ whichaligns the circumferential grooves 47 ₁, 48 ₁ relative to one other andaxially secures the wheel hub 30 ₁ relative to the outer joint part 25₁. It is obvious that, in this case, the securing ring has to engage thecircumferential grooves 47 ₁, 48 ₁ in as play-free a way as possible,which grooves, in consequence, form a closed annular groove. Thecircumferential grooves 47 ₁, 48 ₁ and the securing ring 50 ₁ can haveparallel flanks, in which case the securing ring 50 ₁ has to be insertedinto the annular groove with a small assembly play of approx. {fraction(1/10)} mm. The circumferential grooves 47 ₁ , 48 ₁ and the securingring 50 ₁ can also be provided with conical, out-wardly opening flanks,in which case the securing ring 50 ₁ should comprise radial pretension.In this way, the securing ring 50 ₁ is able to align the circumferentialgrooves 47 ₁, 48 ₁ relative to one another and, when contacting therespective two flanks of the circumferential grooves 47 ₁, 48 ₁, thesecuring ring 50 ₁ can provide an axial play-free connection between thewheel hub 30 ₁ and the outer joint part 25 ₁.

FIGS. 13 and 14 will be described jointly below.

They show an outer joint part 25 ₂ and a wheel hub 30 ₂ as well as abearing 28 ₂ which is supported in the wheel hub 30 ₂. In a plan viewand in cylindrical sections, the end toothings 45 ₂, 46 ₂ are providedwith wedge-shaped flanks, with said flanks, as indicated in FIG. 14,being provided in radial planes extending through the longitudinal axisof the connecting parts. When the flanks of the end toothings restagainst one another, the end faces of the end toothings 45 ₂, 46 ₂ arepositioned at an axial distance from the other part of the connection.With the toothings engaging one another in a play-free way, the parts tobe connected are axially supported relative to one another.

The circumferential grooves 47 ₂, 48 ₂ are engaged by a securing ring 50₂ which axially secures the wheel hub relative to the outer joint part.The circumferential grooves 47 ₂, 48 ₂ can be axially offset relative toone another by a small amount, in which case the securing ring 50 ₂rests only against one flank each under compressing pretension. Thecircumferential grooves and the securing ring can have parallel flanks.The circumferential grooves and the securing ring can also have conical,outwardly opening flanks, in which case the securing ring shouldcomprise radial pretension. In this way, when coming into contact withone flank of the circumferential grooves each, the securing ring canprovide a play-free connection between the end toothings 47 ₂, 48 ₂.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly comprising: a vehicle driveshaftcomprising a shaft (11), a first constant velocity joint (13) and asecond constant velocity joint (12) at opposing ends of the shaft (11);and a wheel hub (3) connected to said first constant velocity joint(13), said first constant velocity joint (13) comprising an outer jointpart (25) having end toothing (45) formed therein, said wheel hub (30)having complementary, inter-engaging end toothing (46), wherein the endtoothings (45, 46) are axially inserted into one another andcircumferentially engage one another in a play-free way and wherein theteeth of the end toothings (45, 46) each comprise radially outwardlyopening circumferential grooves (47, 48; 53, 54) which are delimited bytwo flanks and which, jointly, form a circumferentially extendingannular groove in which, on the outside, there is arranged a securingring (50, 56).
 2. An assembly comprising: a vehicle driveshaftcomprising a shaft (11), a first constant velocity joint (13) and asecond constant velocity joint (12) at opposing ends of the shaft (11);and a differential drive comprising a shaft flange (20) connected tosaid second constant velocity joint (12), said second constant velocityjoint (12) comprising an outer joint part (19) having end toothing (59)formed therein, said shaft flange (20) having complementary,inter-engaging end toothing (60), wherein the end toothings (59, 60) areaxially inserted into one another and circumferentially engage oneanother in a play-free way and wherein the teeth of the end toothings(59, 60) each comprise radially outwardly opening circumferentialgrooves (61, 62; 63, 64) which are delimited by two flanks and which,jointly, form a circumferentially extending annular groove in which, onthe outside, there is arranged a securing ring (66, 68).
 3. A connectingassembly according to claim 1 wherein, when viewed in cylindricalsections, the teeth of the end toothings (45 ₁, 46 ₁) comprise flankswhich extend parallel relative to a longitudinal axis.
 4. A connectingassembly according to claim 1 wherein the teeth of the end toothings (45₂, 46 ₂) comprise flanks which are angled with the angles between theflanks of the teeth of the respective end toothings (45 ₂, 46 ₂) openingin opposite directions and being of identical size.
 5. A connectingassembly according to claim 3, wherein the flanks of the teeth of theend toothings (45 ₁, 46 ₁) are each positioned in radial planesextending through a common longitudinal axis of the wheel hub (30) andouter joint part (25).
 6. A connecting assembly according to claim 4,wherein the flanks of the teeth of the end toothings (45 ₂, 46 ₂) eachcomprise a radial ray extending through the common longitudinal axis ofthe two parts.
 7. A connecting assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe circumferential grooves (47, 48) of the teeth of the two sets of endtoothing (45, 46) and the securing ring (50) are provided with flanks(51, 52) which extend parallel relative to one another and which arepositioned in axis-normal radial planes.
 8. A connecting assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the circumferential grooves (53, 54) ofthe teeth of the two sets of end toothing (45, 46) and the securing ring(56) are provided with flanks (57, 58) which, relative to an axis-normalradial plane, enclose an angle which opens radially outwardly.
 9. Aconnecting assembly according to claim 7, wherein the securing ring (50)engages the circumferential grooves (47, 48) in a play-free way.
 10. Aconnecting assembly according to claim 7, wherein the circumferentialgrooves (53) of the teeth of the one set of end toothing (45) areaxially offset relative to the circumferential grooves (54) of the teethof the other set of end toothing (46) in such a way that the flanks (57,58) of the securing ring (56) only contact those flanks of thecircumferential grooves which face the respective other set of endtoothing.
 11. A connecting assembly according to claim 1, wherein theteeth of one of the sets of end toothing (46 ₁) are formed out of asolid annular part (26 ₁) so as to project radially therefrom.
 12. Aconnecting assembly according to claim 8, wherein the securing ring (50)engages the circumferential grooves (47, 48) in a play-free way.
 13. Aconnecting assembly according to claim 8, wherein the circumferentialgrooves (53) of the teeth of the one set of end toothing (45) areaxially offset relative to the circumferential grooves (54) of the teethof the other set of end toothing (46) in such a way that the flanks (57,58) of the securing ring (56) only contact those flanks of thecircumferential grooves which face the respective other set of endtoothing.
 14. A connecting assembly according to claim 2 wherein, whenviewed in cylindrical sections, the teeth of the end toothings (45 ₁, 46₁) comprise flanks which extend parallel relative to a longitudinalaxis.
 15. A connecting assembly according to claim 2 wherein the teethof the end toothings (45 ₂, 46 ₂) comprise flanks which are angled withthe angles between the flanks of the teeth of the respective endtoothings (45 ₂, 46 ₂) opening in opposite directions and being ofidentical size.
 16. A connecting assembly according to claim 14, whereinthe flanks of the teeth of the end toothings (45 ₁, 46 ₁) are eachpositioned in radial planes extending through the common longitudinalaxis of the shaft flange (20) and outer joint part (19).
 17. Aconnecting assembly according to claim 15, wherein the flanks of theteeth of the end toothings (45 ₂, 46 ₂) each comprise a radial rayextending through the common longitudinal axis of the two parts.
 18. Aconnecting assembly according to claim 2, wherein the circumferentialgrooves (61, 62) of the teeth of the two sets of end toothing (59, 60)and the securing ring (66) are provided with flanks (69, 70) whichextend parallel relative to one another and which are positioned inaxis-normal radial planes.
 19. A connecting assembly according to claim2, wherein the circumferential grooves (63, 64) of the teeth of the twosets of end toothing (59, 60) and the securing ring (68) are providedwith flanks (71, 72) which, relative to an axis-normal radial plane,enclose an angle which opens radially out-wardly.
 20. A connectingassembly according to claim 18, wherein the securing ring (50) engagesthe circumferential grooves (47, 48) in a play-free way.
 21. Aconnecting assembly according to claim 19, wherein the securing ring(50) engages the circumferential grooves (47, 48) in a play-free way.22. A connecting assembly according to claim 18, wherein thecircumferential grooves (61, 63) of the teeth of the one set of endtoothing (59) are axially offset relative to the circumferential grooves(62, 64) of the teeth of the other set of end toothing (59) in such away that the flanks (69, 70; 71, 72) of the securing ring (66, 68) onlycontact those flanks of the circumferential grooves which face therespective other set of end toothing.
 23. A connecting assemblyaccording to claim 19, wherein the circumferential grooves (61, 63) ofthe teeth of the one set of end toothing (59) are axially offsetrelative to the circumferential grooves (62, 64) of the teeth of theother set of end toothing (59) in such a way that the flanks (69, 70;71, 72) of the securing ring (66, 68) only contact those flanks of thecircumferential grooves which face the respective other set of endtoothing.
 24. A connecting assembly according to claim 2, wherein theteeth of the end toothings (59, 60) are formed out of a solid annularpart (19, 20) so as to project axially therefrom.
 25. A connectingassembly according to claim 2, wherein the teeth of one of the sets ofend toothing (46 ₁) are formed out of a solid annular part (26 ₁) so asto project radially therefrom.